Photodynamic therapy using 5-aminolevulinic acid for premalignant and malignant lesions of the oral cavity

Abstract

PDT using ALA for dysplasia of the mouth produces consistent epithelial necrosis with excellent healing and is a simple and effective way to manage these patients. Results in invasive cancers are less satisfactory, mainly because the PDT effect is too superficial with current treatment regimens using ALA as the photosensitizing agent.